No player in the NFL in 2025 has been with the same team longer than Cameron Heyward, who has been a foundational member of the Pittsburgh Steelers since his first-round draft in 2011. As a 6’5”, 295-pound defensive tackle, Heyward’s contributions extend far beyond his size, combining leadership and versatile defensive skills.
Heyward excels in stopping the run and consistently produces impressive tackle-for-loss numbers. His 63.5 career sacks since his breakout 2017 season place him 11th overall in the NFL and rank third among interior defensive linemen. Additionally, Heyward is a formidable pass defender at the line of scrimmage, ranking third in batted passes since 2017 behind only Carlos Dunlap and his teammate T.J. Watt.
A Rare but Memorable Interception Against Justin Fields
Despite his frequent disruptions at the line, Heyward has intercepted only two passes in his career, with his second interception standing out as his favorite moment on the field. Reflecting on his career highlights during his podcast, Heyward revealed that while sacking Tom Brady was unforgettable, intercepting Justin Fields holds a special place with him.
“You could say sacking [Tom] Brady was probably one of the coolest ones. But there’s one that warms my heart a little more than that. It was when I picked off Justin Fields, and then he became a teammate,”
Heyward shared.
“I think, just having that and being able to throw a little bit of salt on the wounds, just plays a little bit better.”
Revisiting the 2021 Steelers-Bears Game Featuring Fields’ Interception
The noteworthy interception happened during Justin Fields’ rookie season in a Week 9 game between the Steelers and Chicago Bears. Late in the first quarter, with the Steelers holding a 7-0 lead, Fields attempted a quick pass to wide receiver Darnell Mooney over the middle. Heyward, however, was trying to shed a double team and opted to leap and disrupt the throw, not just deflecting it but securing the interception.
The turnover proved pivotal as Pittsburgh capitalized immediately. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found tight end Pat Freiermuth for a four-yard touchdown on the following drive, extending the lead to 14-0. The Steelers maintained control through much of the contest, leading 20-6 by the fourth quarter.
Game Drama and Defensive Highlights
Though the Bears rallied late, scoring on a 15-yard Mooney touchdown and returning a takeaway for another touchdown, eventually taking a 27-26 lead under two minutes remaining, Pittsburgh’s veteran kicker Chris Boswell calmly sealed the victory with a field goal in the final 30 seconds.
This matchup showcased the Steelers’ defensive strength, led by Heyward’s crucial interception and T.J. Watt’s dominance with 3 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. That same year, both players earned First-Team All-Pro honors, cementing their reputations as a fearsome defensive duo.
What Lies Ahead for Heyward and the Steelers’ Defensive Core
Now at age 35, Heyward continues to be a central figure for the Steelers’ defense, but questions loom about the future. T.J. Watt is currently engaged in a contract dispute, and with Heyward’s advancing age, the 2025 season could mark one of their last campaigns playing side by side at an elite level.
Heyward will face Justin Fields again in Week 1 when the Steelers take on the New York Jets, where Fields now plays. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Heyward can replicate the impact of his interception and continue to influence games with his leadership and defensive versatility.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How is Justin Fields managing epilepsy? Justin says that he manages his epilepsy by taking anti seizure medication every day. When he takes his medication, he is able to keep his condition under control. This is evidenced by the fact that he has never missed a game because of epilepsy in his career so far.
A. What’s Justin Fields’ medical condition?